News: Local tip leads Iraqi SWAT to weapons cache

Iraqi and U.S. Military Police found an assortment of weaponry during a raid in Muqdadiyah, Iraq, Jan. 4, including mortars, a machine gun, ammunition, anti-tank mines and rocket propelled grenades. The weapons were brought back to Forward Operating Base Normandy for further investigation and eventual destruction.

MUQDADIYAH, Iraq – Iraqi police discovered a weapons cache after receiving a tip from local citizens in Muqdadiyah, Jan. 4.

Thirteen mortars of various sizes, including two 60 mm mortars, several rockets, ammunition of different calibers, an anti-tank mine, initiators, propellants and other bomb-making materials were confiscated.

The cache was found in a suspected extremist's home.

Several makeshift attack, observation and sniper positions were found littered with shell casings. Upon further investigation of the area, several barrels were unearthed revealing more ammunition and a machine gun.

Soldiers of the 293rd Military Police Company, 728th MP Battalion, 18th MP Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division assisted the IPs in finding the cache and conducting searches of the area.

"The mission today was a definite success," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Swilling, a squad leader in the 293rd MP Co. "We took these weapons off the street with no casualties. These (Iraqi) SWAT guys are well trained and are very proficient at performing raids and moving tactically."